Any 'reversing' tips?

I'm going on a sailing holiday in a few weeks and was hoping to get
some assistance with reversing. We went on a similar holiday last year
and I found it difficult to control the boat when reverse gear was
engaged. I know it's a really well-known part of sailing but I can't
find any tips on how to deal with it online.

When aiming for a bow-to mooring, I've heard that it can help if the
reverse gear is selected gently at first, allowing water to wash over
the prop. before the revs are subsequently increased. Is this correct?
Or is it the other way round; ie. a quick blast of revs to halt the
boat's forward movement befor a more controlled reverse with less
torque?

Alternatively is it just advisable to be aware of which way the boat
turns when reverse is selected and to adjust the tiller almost
immediately to compensate? I tried this approach last year and found it
difficult to master - there didn't seem to be any control from the
tiller when the boat was in reverse until a substantial amount of
'reverse' speed had been gained.

Apologies for probably asking an incredibly basic question.
Unfortunately, I don't have any opportunity for practice until I'm
actually on holiday - flotilla in Greece btw - and would like to know
the theory in advance.

Thanks in advance for any comments!!

Niall

.

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